Table of Contents
Introduction
PLCs
Number Systems.
Terminology
Basie Requirements
$7-200 Micro PLCs
Programming a PLC.
Discrete Inputs/Outputs ....
Analog Inputs and Outputs
Timers
Counters
High-Speed Instructions
Specialized Expansion Modules
Review Answers.
Final Exam
12
18
20
33
41
48
51
58
61
65
72
74Introduction
Welcome to another course in the STEP series, Siemens
Technical Education Program, designed to prepare our
distributors to sell Siemens Industry, Inc. products more
effectively. This course covers Basies of PLCs and related
products
Upon completion of Basics of PLCs you should be able to:
* Identify the major components of a PLC and describe
their functions
* Convert numbers from decimal to binary, BCD, and
hexadecimal
Identify typical discrete and analog inputs and outputs
Identify key differences of the various $7-200 models
Identify the types of expansion modules available for
$7-200 PLCs
° Describe the types or programming available for $7-200
PLCs
* Describe the operation of commonly used program
functions such as timers and counters
* Identify the proper manual to refer to for programming or
installation of an S7-200 PLC
This knowledge will help you better understand customer
applications. In addition, you will be better able to describe
products to customers and determine important differencé
between products. You should complete Basics of Electricity
before attempting Basics of PLCs. An understanding of many
of the concepts covered in Basies of Electricity is required for
this course.
After you have completed this course, if you wish to determine
how well you have retained the information covered, you can
complete a final exam online as described later in this course. If
you pass the exam, you will be given the opportunity to print a
certificate of completionSiemens is a trademark of Siemens AG. Product names
mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies. Specifications subject to change without
notice.Basic PLC Operation
PLCs
A programmable logic controller (PLC), also referred to as.
a programmable controller, is the name given to a type of
computer commonly used in commercial and industrial control
applications. PLCs differ from office computers in the types of
tasks that they perform and the hardware and software they
require to perform these tasks. While the specific applications
vary widely, all PLCs monitor inputs and other variable values,
make decisions based on a stored program, and control
outputs to automate a process or machine. This course is
meant to supply you with basic information on the functions
and configurations of PLCs with emphasis on the $7-200 PLC
family
Motor
S-
we
Indicator Light
‘The basic elements of a PLC include input modules or points,
a central processing unit (CPU), output modules or points,
and a programming device, The type of input modules or
points used by a PLC depends upon the types of input devices
used. Some input modules or points respond to digital inputs,
also called discrete inputs, which are either on or off. Other
modules or inputs respond to analog signals. These analog
signals represent machine or process conditions as a range of
voltage or current values, The primary function of a PLC's input
circuitry is to convert the signals provided by these various
switches and sensors into logic signals that can be used by the
cPU.The CPU evaluates the status of inputs, outputs, and other
variables as it executes a stored program. The CPU then sends
signals to update the status of outputs.
Output modules convert control signals from the CPU into
digital or analog values that can be used to control various
output devices,
‘The programming device is used to enter or change the PLC's
program or to monitor or change stored values, Once entered,
the program and associated variables are stored in the CPU
In addition to these basic elements, a PLC system may also
incorporate an operator interface device to simplify monitoring
of the machine or process.
inp antral Processing Unit ouput
Noss =P] (CPU) fame] Module
/ \
|Programming| Operator
Device Interface
In the simple example shown below, pushbuttons (sensors)
connected to PLC inputs are used to start and stop a motor
connected to a PLC output through a motor starter (actuator)
No programming device or operator interface are shown in this
simple example,
Motor Stator
a), (on